I often say that one of the reasons why I love this city is that quick getaways are but minutes away. Last night after work I hopped the Sea Bus, then a bus, and within 45 minutes I was staring down at the entire region from over 3,000ft.
Grouse Mountain‘s activities such as the interpretive sessions at the Grizzly Bear habitat, the Lumberjack Show, and the Birds in Motion demonstration were already over by the time I arrived but there was still much to see.
I decided to hop on the Peak Chair (that runs until 8pm) and get up to the very top of the mountain.
I came back down and met up with John and Trevor for dinner at Altitudes Bistro after they completed the Grouse Grind. The drinks were tasty and the Ocean Wise Ahi Tuna that I enjoyed was superb.
We descended on the gondola as the sun was setting behind the Lions and I wondered why I don’t make these quick escapes more often.
You can view the rest of my photos in this Flickr set.
I have the fortunate opportunity to participate in two upcoming conferences, both of which are geared for entrepreneurial women.
The first is the Enterprising Moms Network Conference on June 13th at the River Rock. It will run 11:00am until 5:00pm and sixty4media will have a swag table setup as well. My talk will be at 3:15pm and will be about social media basics specifically used for business. Other speakers that day include travel guru Claire Newell, Rita Kim of the Business Development Back of Canada, Fiona Walsh and many more. The Enterprising Moms Network is a community of business-minded working mothers who meetup regularly for workshops and events. Chapters span from Prince George, to White Rock, and down through Seattle. Proceeds from the conference on June 13th will go to Ronald McDonald House.
My next speaking engagement will be at the Chicks Who Click. It has been held in Kansas City, San Jose, Dallas, Raleigh, and now in Vancouver on June 27th at the Listel Hotel on Robson. Megan Cole, Monica Hamburg, Victoria Revay, Maura Rodgers, Erica Hargreave and Gillian Shaw are all my esteemed co-presenters throughout the day. I’ll be on a panel with Gillian and Erica talking about privacy and transparency online. There will be a tweetup the night before and you can follow all Chicks Who Click updates on the conference blog or Twitter by searching the tag: #CWC09.
The Chip’s Not Dead Yet Memorial Mile is only a few weeks away and things are heating up for this fun run. Way back in February you were asked to save the date for this special event that benefits the BC Childrens’ Hospital and as we get closer to the starting line on June 20th, here’s a refresher.
The run consists of several mini-runs called “waves” that each have a theme. You could participate in the superhero run, the Canucks fan wave, the high heel wave, or the underwear dash. They have also added the “couch potato” wave wherein you register for the race, pay the fee, get a bib, but you just get to hang out in the beer garden and near the concert stage all day… genius.
Speaking of concerts, Daniel Wesley, A Current Swell, Armchair Cynics, and Run GMC are all set to perform.
There are also prizes for several of the waves including two tickets for a WestJet flight, $1500 to spend at Pacific Centre or Aerosmith tickets to be won during the rockstar wave. Registration is still open until midnight on June 19th for individuals or corporate teams.
That’s right, I’m talking about the weather in Vancouver and I won’t be mentioning rain at all. This time it’s all about the extremely warm record-breaking sunshine that’s been blanketing the Lower Mainland over the last week or so. To help everyone who might be looking for a way to bring down their temperature while still enjoying cloudless days, here are my Ways to Cool Down in Vancouver…
Outdoor Pools
The City of Vancouver operates several outdoor pools which have now been open since the May Long Weekend. You can check out my guide for the one in your neighbourhood or visit the Vancouver Parks Board website for more information.
Frozen yogurt
Qoola on Denman was my first real yogurt (and acai) experience and boy could I go for their green tea frozen yogurt right about now. I’ve also tried out Froyoswirl in Yaletown, which is equally delicious, with a few different menu items. There are plenty of gelato places around town but if you spot on of these havens I definitely recommend stopping in for some fresh fruit atop this icy treat.
Walk in the park
A stroll under the canopy at your local park is an enjoyable way to be outdoors while not overheating. If you’re lucky, when you emerge from the cooling shadows there will also be a waterpark nearby (like at Fleetwood Park in Surrey). Better yet, finishing up a hike over at the Lynn Valley Headwaters with a quick dip.
Hit the beach (and get in the water)
Vancouver’s known for its amazing beaches however I’ve noticed the percentage of people out baking on the sand far outweigh those who take to the water. The ocean is probably pretty darn chilly but also the perfect way to refresh and rejuvenate your sun-drenched body.
Patio + Drinks
My Vancouver Patio Guide from 2007 is terribly outdated as I’m sure dozens of other establishments have setup outdoor and street-side seating areas. Hit a patio for some appies and people watching while enjoying a frosted beverage with friends. Cactus Club, Milestones, Joe Fortes (rooftop), Chill Winston’s, The Mill, etc. there’s no shortage in this town. Below is a stream of Tweets in response to my question: Which restaurant has the BEST patio in Vancouver?
Get on a boat
There are plenty of Vancouver charter boat tours, yacht tours etc. but getting out on the ocean in a canoe or kayak will really cool you down. You can take a day trip from Deep Cove or rent by the hour from Granville Island.
One word: Slurpee
We’re lucky enough to have a 7-Eleven and a Mac’s in the neighbourhood and I tell ya, nothing gives you that instant chill like that first over-eager, brain-freezing sip of a Slurpee. It also takes me back to those lazy days of summer when I was growing up, adding to the refreshing (yet tasty) relaxation you get from a frozen beverage. You could also visit one of our bagillion coffee shops for an iced latte but some days just call for a Slurpee… especially July 11th when sample sizes are free.
WATERFIGHT!
Each year at some point in the summer a large group of people converge in a single location to unleash water balloons and the power of their Super Soakers on each other. This is Vancouver’s Largest Waterfight and it’s happening July 11th 2009 at Lumberman’s Arch in Stanley Park.
Also it’s important to note that drinking water is the ultimate way to keep your body cool. Find a water fountain in local parks or bring your own bottle of water out and about (preferably a refillable Sig bottle, not plastic).
In sort of related news I published an article for Tourism Vancouver about 10 Hidden Gems around the city that you simply must check out.
Update: Keira’s got a post about how to keep your pets cool as well.
On June 14th you could be one of the first people to cross the Golden Ears Bridge on foot with the Golden Ears Bridge Run. 300 people are invited to enter this 7km fun run (sorry, no walkers) and you can register online through the Running Room.
The Golden Ears Bridge Run kicks off at 8:30am from the Maple Meadows West Coast Express train station parking lot and afterward there will be a public car-free celebration from 11:00am until 4:00pm. Highlights will include performance stages, information about key features of the bridge & road networks, an official completion ceremony and other activities for the entire family. The celebrations will all take place mid-span on the new bridge.
This latest crossing over the Fraser River links up Surrey/Langley and Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge. It will officially open for traffic June 16th and will be toll-free for the first month.
